Photographer's Note

Salvador de Bahia is definitely the most attaching city I ever visited. The historic patrimony is amazing. Here, we are at the entrance of the "Cidade Alta" close to the "Lacerda" elevators in the "Praça Municipal" of Salvador where the former Portuguese governors used to ruled this huge colony.

Salvador is a pure mix of Indian and African people. About 80% of the population is black. About 3.5 million black slaves out of 12 were brought to Brazil, mainly from the Guinea gulf and Angola. They developped a very strong culture with many great aspects such as the local food, the "Candomble" religion, songs, Capoeira and a very happy way of living even in poverty.

This woman is wearing the traditional clothes from the "Baianas". Even today, many women still wear these traditional colorful costums. You can see plenty of them serving traditional food in the "Pelourinho" area where the the is a never ending feast at night...

I could see a great exposition from Pierre Verger who lived in Salvador in the 40's, 50's. It seems this City could preserve its past, its culture but in a very dynamic way. No need to say that the major singer from Brazil all come from the Bahia state, like Gilberto Gil the present Culture minister is Lula's governement.

Really nice. Besides the guy walking into the shot, there is also some kind of horizontal bar on the right that goes into ther right ear. It looks like it wasn't really behind her but showed up somehow in post-processing. But other than these two little problems, you have a great, sharp picture that makes me smile.

Very good portrait, Steven.
I dunno how people there do without sunglasses.
Very vibrant colours... you did a good job on her dress (white parts).
Pls, tell me the reason for having sharpness, saturation & contrast settings on your camera on 'High',
Robi